Proverbs 26:16
Proverbs 26:16 in Multiple Translations
The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason.
The hater of work seems to himself wiser than seven men who are able to give an answer with good sense.
In their own eyes lazy people are wiser than many sensible advisors.
The sluggard is wiser in his owne conceite, then seuen men that can render a reason.
Wiser [is] the slothful in his own eyes, Than seven [men] returning a reason.
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer with discretion.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that speak sentences.
Lazy people think that they are wiser than seven/several people who can answer others’ questions with good sense.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:16
BAB
Word Study
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Proverbs 26:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָכָ֣ם
עָצֵ֣ל
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
מִ֝/שִּׁבְעָ֗ה
מְשִׁ֣יבֵי
טָֽעַם
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
sluggish
Adj
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
מִ֝/שִּׁבְעָ֗ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Prep | Adj
מְשִׁ֣יבֵי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil
טָֽעַם
ṭaʻam
H2940
taste
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:16
חָכָ֣ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
עָצֵ֣ל
ʻâtsêl
H6102
"sluggish"
Adj
A sluggish person, often called a sluggard, this word describes someone who is habitually lazy or idle, like the slothful person in Proverbs.
Definition: 1) sluggish, lazy 1a) sluggard (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: slothful, sluggard. See also: Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 6:9.
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מִ֝/שִּׁבְעָ֗ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Prep | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
מְשִׁ֣יבֵי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
טָֽעַם
ṭaʻam
H2940
"taste"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means to have a taste or perception of something, and is often used to describe judgment or intelligence. It appears in Proverbs 1:7, where wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. In the Bible, it can also mean a decree or decision.
Definition: 1) taste, judgment 1a) taste 1b) judgment (fig.) 1c) decision, decree
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: advice, behaviour, decree, discretion, judgment, reason, taste, understanding. See also: Exodus 16:31; Psalms 34:1; Psalms 119:66.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:16
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
14As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed.
15The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
16The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own. 18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:12 | Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:15 | But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:15 | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. |
Proverbs 26:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that some people are so lazy and think they know it all, even when they really don't. They think they are smarter than a group of wise people, which is not true. We should be careful not to be like this, and instead be humble and willing to learn from others, as it says in Proverbs 1:7 that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge'. By being humble and recognizing our own limitations, we can gain true wisdom and understanding, as promised in James 1:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the slacker to be wiser in his own eyes?
This means the slacker has an inflated sense of self-importance and thinks he knows better than others, even if it's not true, as seen in Proverbs 26:16 and also in Proverbs 12:15 where it says 'the way of a fool is right in his own eyes'
Why does the verse compare the slacker to seven men who answer discreetly?
This comparison highlights the slacker's arrogance, as he thinks he is wiser than a group of wise and thoughtful men, similar to the wisdom of many counselors in Proverbs 24:6
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us to be humble and recognize our own limitations, rather than thinking we have all the answers, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart
What is the danger of being a slacker with an inflated sense of self-importance?
The danger is that we may miss out on valuable wisdom and guidance from others, and instead follow our own destructive paths, as warned in Proverbs 14:12
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I exhibit a 'slacker' mentality, and how can I overcome it?
- How do I balance confidence in my own abilities with humility and a willingness to learn from others?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wise counsel from others, rather than relying on my own limited understanding?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and recognition of my own limitations, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:4?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit,.... It is a sort of a solecism, a kind of a contradiction in terms for a sluggard to be wise, who is so slothful as to make no use of the means of getting wisdom and knowledge.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
Is wiser in his own conceit, because by his idleness he avoids those troubles and dangers to which other men by their activity expose themselves, forgetting in the mean thee what reproach and loss, and how much greater mischiefs, both here and hereafter, are brought upon him by his slothfulness. That can render a reason, to wit, a satisfactory reason, of all their actions, i.e. who are truly wise men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
Proverbs 26:16 The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.Ver. 16. Than seven men that can render a reason.] Yea, though they were the seven wise men of Greece, they were all fools to him. The proud Pharisees rejected the counsel of God, and would not be baptized of John. Belly policy teaches the sluggard a great many excuses, which he thinks will go for wisdom, because by them he thinks to sleep in a whole skin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
(16) Seven men.—A round number. (Comp. Proverbs 26:25; Proverbs 6:31; Proverbs 24:16.) That can render a reason—i.e., give a sensible judgment on any matter submitted to them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
Verse 16. Than seven men that can render a reason.] Seven here only means perfection, abundance, or multitude. He is wiser in his own eyes than a multitude of the wisest men. "Than seven men that sytt and teach." - Coverdale; i.e., than seven doctors of the law, or heads of the schools of the prophets, who always sat while they taught.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:16
16. sluggard] The A.V. after rendering the Heb. word (which is the same in all four verses), slothful, three times, here changes it to sluggard. It is better to keep one word throughout. render a reason] Or, answer discreetly, R.V. marg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:16
Seven - The definite number used for the indefinite (compare Proverbs 24:16). Reason - Better, a right judgment.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:16
16. Seven — Many. This has nothing to do with “seven” as a sacred or perfect number. It is a definite number given for an indefinite. Compare Proverbs 5:25; also Proverbs 6:31; Proverbs 24:6.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.26:11 - 27:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various excuses that people make for not fulfilling their duties. He uses the example of a lazy man who uses the excuse of a lion in the |
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Philippians 2:5-11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the humility and obedience of Christ, emphasizing how Jesus, being in the form of God, willingly emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant, h |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Preachers in the Last Days! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for preachers to separate themselves from worldly influences and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the word of God. He critici |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 5 by Alan Redpath | The sermon transcript is focused on the theme of communicating Christ and the challenges faced by Christians in doing so. The speaker emphasizes the need for revival and the love o |
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The Case for a Good Conscience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a believer. A good conscience enables consistency in one's walk with God and promotes unity and |
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The Carnal Christian by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living above our feelings and senses as Christians. He shares a story about a young man who struggled with having the desir |